Dominion (Futuristic Four)

"Even if that means people have to die."

Hiro didn't know how long he had been sitting in the shadow of the University building, but he did know that it had started drizzling at some point. His dark bangs clung to his forehead and kept getting into his eyes. His jacket was leaching the warmth from his skin.

"Hiro?"

He glanced up at the soft voice. Violet stood uncertainly before him, an umbrella clutched in her hands.

"Mind if I sit here?" she asked. Hiro shrugged and looked away. She sat beside him. It was a long moment before she spoke.

"So Wilbur told you everything."

"Yeah."

There was another long pause in the conversation. Hiro did nothing to break it. He didn't feel like talking.

"It wasn't your fault. Not . . . you."

"I have to kill Tadashi. How is that not my fault?"

"That's what's bothering you? You won't kill him, Hiro.  This Tadashi, the one you know, it's like it isn't really him."

"He's married to Aiko.  How can I take him from her?"

"Aiko?"

"Honey Lemon, whatever."

"As soon as we fix things, this whole timeline disappears.  She wouldn't know the difference."

"But I would.  I would know."

Violet nudged a piece of gravel with her foot.  It bounced down the concrete steps and out of sight.  "It's what has to happen. And about the other thing . . . I don't think any differently of you because of what you did.  Everyone makes mistakes, especially when they think it'll save someone they love.  I hope you know that."

"How can you not think I'm a horrible person?  I'm not even the hero you all think I am."

"You'll make the right choice when it matters.  After all, you already know what happens if you . . . if you . . ."  She seemed to lose her voice for a moment.  The raindrops slowed and vanished altogether.  "The people who love you are only ever trying to help you.  Even if that means people have to die."

She leaned over and gave Hiro a quick peck on the cheek.  He flinched at the sudden contact and glanced at her.  She was blushing a furious red.

"What was that for?" he asked.

"So you remember this conversation when you have to make the choice again.  I don't hate you for the choice you did the first time.  Just . . . please don't choose it again."

She stood up and walked away, leaving Hiro more confused than ever.  A part of him wondered if there was something in the conversation, some small detail, that he had missed entirely.

I have to be brave, Hiro told himself.  They're counting on me.  Penny and Violet.  And Wilbur, of course.

Hiro hoped that when he got his memories back it would clear up his relationship with Penny and Violet.  Penny was beautiful, smart, funny, and thought he was a hero.  He definitely wanted to get to know her better, but then there was Violet.  With Violet there was that same feeling, but it was different.  As if the feeling was less in Hiro's head and more in his chest.  But she was scared of him for some reason, or he kept doing something to offend her.  And then she'd go and do something like kiss his cheek and he'd be confused all over again.

"Hey, Hiro!"

A grin touched Hiro's face.  Apparently if he sat in the rain long enough everyone would find him and want to talk to him.  He glanced up and felt a twinge in his chest.

"Tadashi?"

"Hey, little bro!  I was wondering what you've been up to!"  He took in Hiro's damp clothes and hair.  "Sitting in the rain, apparently."

"It wasn't that bad."  Hiro brushed his wet bangs out of his eyes and smiled sheepishly.  He noticed Violet standing beside Tadashi.  Tadashi followed Hiro's eyes.

"You're friend Violet told me you were here.  I figured I'd come chat."

"What are you even doing here at school so late?" Hiro asked.

"Late night classes. Nothing too exciting."

Hiro jumped to his feet and threw his arms around Tadashi, earning a surprised laugh.

"What was that for?" Tadashi asked. Hiro let go and stepped back.

"You're the best brother any kid could want. I love you."

"I love you too, Hiro."

"We should probably get going," Violet said as she put a hand on Hiro's shoulder. "Our friends are expecting us."

"It was great seeing you again," Tadashi replied as Hiro and Violet began walking away. "Save the world one smile at a time."

"I promise," Hiro called back. Somehow, the pain in his heart had faded.

He was ready to fix the past.